Alberto Iglesias named composer of the year at Ghent Film Fest

World Soundtrack Awards also honor Brian Byrna

Alberto Iglesias, best-known for his work with fellow Spaniard Pedro Almodovar, was named composer of the year on Saturday at the 12th World Soundtrack Awards, the culminating event of the Ghent Film Festival in Belgium.

The kudo broke the streak of three consecutive wins by Gaul’s Alexandre Desplat, who was also a nominee in the category.

Iglesias was recognized for his work on “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” for which he was also won best original film score, plus “The Monk” and Almodovar’s “The Skin I Live In.”

Brian Byrne, whose “Lay Your Head Down,” sung by Sinead O’Connor during the end credits of “Albert Nobbs” won best original song written for film, also was honored with the discovery of the year award. The kudo is significant in that he follows in the footsteps of Michael Giacchino and Gustavo Santaolalla, both eventual Oscar winners.

Abel Korzeniowski, who won the discovery award in 2010 for “A Single Man,” nabbed the public choice award this year for his score on “W.E.,” directed by Madonna, who was competing in the song category for that film’s “Masterpiece.”

Pino Donaggio whose more than 100 film credits include the Brian De Palma films “Carrie,” “Dressed To Kill” and “Blow Out,” received the lifetime achievement award, presented to him by Mike Stoller. Donaggio’s music, along with that of James Newton Howard, was performed by the Brussels Philharmonic, which received a Certificate of Outstanding Recognition. As per tradition, Dirk Brosse conducted.

Awards are determined by the approximately 340 members of the World Soundtrack Academy.